Fri., Dec. 09, 2016 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM EST

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com believes there is a "strong" chance that impending free agent CB Aqib Talib returns to New England. Read

"With several top cornerbacks set to hit the market, and mutual interest between the sides, I think the key factors are in place for a deal to get done," writes Reiss. "Furthermore, the legal tampering period (March 8-11) should help both sides get a better feel for the market before it officially opens (March 11), which was the way it was supposed to work with Wes Welker last year." Read

Erik Frenz of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots are set to meet with Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Read

"Clinton-Dix is projected to be a first-round pick, but may not even be available by the time the Patriots are on the clock - most mock drafts have projected him to be snapped up in the middle of the first round, between picks 14 and 24," adds Frenz. Read

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald believes that the idea of the Patriots selecting a defensive tackle and tight end in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft might have changed due to several combine workouts. Read

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on NBCSports.com writes that rumors continue to swirl of former Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano acquiring a coaching job with the Patriots. Read

"It makes too much sense to not happen, especially in light of the extent to which Belichick reportedly lobbied the Browns to hire Schiano as the team’s next head coach," writes Florio. "Schiano needs a job, and the Patriots still need a linebackers coach to replace Pepper Johnson." Read